Sambhal Violence: Judicial Order Compels FIR Against Ex-CO Anuj Chaudhry
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Lucknow, 13, January,2026-In a significant move toward police accountability, Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanshu Sudhir has directed authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) against ASP Anuj Chaudhary and several subordinates.
The order stems from a November 2024 incident in Sambhal, where a civilian, Alam, was allegedly shot by police during communal unrest.
The court’s decision follows claims by the victim’s father that his son was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Incident Details and Court Proceedings
According to the petition, Yameen’s son, Alam, sustained gunshot injuries near the Shahi Jama Masjid area in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, while he was out selling goods amid escalating communal violence.
Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanshu Sudhir issued the order directing FIR registration after a hearing earlier this month, marking a significant step in holding police accountable.
Support from Civil Rights Group
The petition for FIR registration received backing from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR).
APCR coordinator and human rights activist Nadeem Khan hailed the development, stating, “After a year of hard work, the court has today ordered an FIR against former Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary, plus 12 policemen.”
This underscores ongoing efforts by civil society to address alleged police excesses during the unrest.
Complainant’s Situation and Legal Status
Complainant’s lawyer, Chaudhary Akhtar Hussain, revealed that Alam underwent medical treatment but has remained in hiding due to fears of retaliatory police action.
He noted that the family has received only verbal intimation of the court’s decision so far and awaits the written order copy to proceed further.
At the relevant point of time, Shri Anuj Chaudhary was discharging his duties as Circle Officer, Sambhal, and has subsequently been promoted and presently serves as Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural), Firozabad.
Inspector Tomar is, as on date, posted as the Station House Officer, Kotwali Chandausi, District Sambhal.
The incident in question arose in the course of a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, initiated pursuant to a petition asserting that the site was formerly a Hindu temple.
The situation allegedly escalated into violent confrontation between certain protesters and the police machinery, culminating in incidents of stone-pelting and exchange of fire, resulting in the unfortunate loss of five lives and causing injuries to several persons, including members of the police force.
In connection with the aforesaid occurrences, multiple criminal cases have been registered by the police, wherein more than 2,000 individuals have been arrayed as accused, and, as per records placed on date, in excess of 130 persons have been apprehended.
[Read the judgement here]
